Our Community Outreach Training Programs are specially designed by Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney and Dr Susan West for participants aged 12 to 19 years of age who want to develop their confidence and musical skills through outreach to, and with, the community.
This year we are offering two free taster programs in Community Outreach Singing and Outreach Piano Playing. These programs are FREE to all participants from ages 12 to 19, with limited places available.
The programs are designed to allow all participants, regardless of experience, to increase their confidence and skill; reach out to the community effectively and confidently; and most importantly, have FUN! Students will be provided with the rare opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most experienced and engaging music educators and outreach facilitators. Susan and Georgia have over 60 years of teaching, performance and community outreach experience between them. The program is designed to support students who have a well-developed skill level by extending their experience through facilitating and leading community singing, as well as provide new opportunities for those with no musical or theatrical background, including those who wish to build confidence in their singing.
Those who have completed previous Community Outreach training will have the opportunity to further develop their skills in supporting newcomers.
Community Outreach Singing Program
The program involves a series of small group outreach singing classes on two Sunday afternoons in the second half of Term 4, 2025, culminating in two outreach events in local care facilities. Classes focus on: group and individual singing; part singing; outreach methods; singing confidence; and community facilitation. It is expected that attending the outreach classes is a commitment to attend the outreaches themselves. However, the first outreach is on the last afternoon of the school year: younger students may choose to attend the second outreach only (see dates below).
Outreach Piano Playing
In addition to Outreach Singing, we are offering a small number of places to those interested in developing their skills for outreach at the piano. The small group class in piano will precede the outreach singing class, with a break in-between. You do not need to have played piano before to be in this class. Depending on numbers, there will be one or two piano sessions per student, with the opportunity to engage further in 2026. These classes are smaller than the community outreach classes. We will aim to accommodate all those interested in 2025 but if numbers are high, some students may need to wait until next year! Those attending piano need to also attend the community outreach singing classes.
NEXT COMMUNITY OUTREACH SINGING AND OUTREACH PIANO PROGRAM DATES:
Sunday December 7 and Sunday December 14.
Piano: 1-2.30pm; Outreach session: 3-4.30pm.
Community outreach event dates: Thursday, December 18, 2pm (Calwell); Friday December 19, 10.30am (Queanbeyan)
LOCATIONS:
Sunday Classes: Susan West’s home studio (address provided upon registration)
Outreach events: December 18: Warrigal Care, Calwell; December 19, Warrigal Care, Queanbeyan.
COST: There is no cost for piano or community outreach classes. NB: No audition is required to participate in the program.
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLES (WWVP) CARD All participants over the age of 16 will need to hold a WWVP card. You/your child can apply for a volunteer one here.
